The UN Refugee Agency is moving ahead with a major downsizing effort, capping the number of senior leadership positions and preparing to close some country offices as part of broader efforts to slash spending, according to internal communications seen by Devex.
With the downsizing, agency headquarters in Geneva and regional bureaus are expected to see more than a 30% reduction in overall costs, while senior-level positions — categorized as D2, D1, and P5 within the United Nations system — will be capped, resulting in an estimated 50% cut across those grades. Spending authority for operations will also be reduced by 23% compared to current levels, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told staff last Wednesday.
To adapt to the funding constraints, UNHCR will close certain country offices and shift responsibilities to "strengthened multi-country office structures," Grandi said, without detailing which offices are likely to close. The new structures will become effective as of October 2025, he said in the email.
About the author
Ayenat Mersie
Ayenat Mersie is a Global Development Reporter for Devex. Previously, she worked as a freelance journalist for publications such as National Geographic and Foreign Policy and as an East Africa correspondent for Reuters.
